Protecting your younger ones from mosquito bites can be tricky. RAJESH VOHRA shares tips that may help to keep the villains away
In the current season and certain times across the year, rarely do we get any respite from being exposed to different mosquitoes and insects. Climate changes and the increase in humidity have increased their proliferation. Babies/children are all the more unprepared to deal with mosquitoes and hence become easy targets for them.
In babies, especially, the bites are not only annoying, but they can even lead to irritative and allergic reactions with extended and long-lasting skin rashes. More so, mosquitoes are potential carrier of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and malaria.
Two of the main preventive tools that the World Health Organisation suggests to protect the babies from mosquitoes are — the control of the environment and the use of mosquito repellents.
In case of a baby in the family, one has to be extra cautious as it is important to make sure that the baby is protected from mosquito bites. In an effort to help you protect your baby from mosquito bites, here are some easy steps to follow.
Choose the right mosquito repellent: The best way to protect your little one is by simply including anti mosquito repellent in his daily regime;; For babies, it is advisable to use products with delicate formulas that protects them from mosquitoes and are gentle on the skin, therefore choose mosquito repellent which is specially formulated for babies. Look for features like natural ingredients, dermatologically tested and chemical free which ensures gentle and delicate protection for infants and children
While mosquito repellents are an effective way to protect your baby’s skin from being bitten, some of these repellents may be too strong for your baby’s skin, and may cause irritation and rashes hence it is important to choose a mosquito repellent that is free from alcohol, colours and synthetic perfumes.
One should ideally choose a mosquito repellent that has been specially formulated for babies considering their skin’s sensitivity in mind.
Avoid using scented/perfumed products: Other than being attracted to dark and bright colors, mosquitoes are also attracted to a variety of floral and fruity scent perfumes. So, it is best to make sure that your baby does not wear them.
Dress to protect: One of the most effective ways of protecting your baby is to minimise the area of exposed skin. Choose lightweight knits and cotton garments that allow the passage of air while covering your child’s body. Especially during rainy season when mosquitoes breed the most, younger babies can be dressed in body suits that cover as much of body as possible. For older babies, dress them up in full sleeves shirts, long pants and shoes to protect them from mosquitoes.
Keep mosquito nets ready: Nets can be very effective if used well and the advantage is that, they have no negative health effects. If you share your bed with your baby, you can use a big net over your bed. And if your baby sleeps in a cot next to your bed, you can use Mosquito net for cot.
Similarly, you can also use mosquito net for strollers when you are taking your baby out in the evening. It would be preferable to use net made of fine mesh fabric with elastic edging that easily fits to the cot/stroller. While doing so, make sure that no mosquitoes are caught under the net.
The writer is CEO, Artsana India